Constantin Toderău

Strașnic

Woodcarver

©Strașnic

©Constantin Toderău

©Strașnic

Woodcarving passed down the generations

Constantin inherited his passion for this craft from his grandfather
The objects he makes are suitable both as cutting boards and serving platters
Urban environment, architecture and Romanian traditions inspire him

Born and raised in Iași, one of Romania’s largest cities and cultural leading centres, Constantin Toderău loves the tranquillity of working in his workshop and the calm of the wood that peacefully reveals its stories. He makes cutting boards and serving platters using the techniques he learned from his grandfather in his small carpentry shop and the knowledge that he acquired by himself later, in years of study and practice. Constantin opened his studio, Strașnic, in 2015. He does everything on his own, taking the time to understand the wood fibres and letting the shapes of the wood flow naturally. "The more time I focus on the wood in my workshop, the easier it is for me to follow its natural shape and, as a result, I gain more respect for nature, creation and the human being”, he states.

Interview

©Strașnic

©Strașnic

Why did you choose this craft?: I grew up with this craft. My grandfather taught me to love and respect woodwork and, after many years, I chose the same profession. Over time, I succeeded to put into practice both the knowledge I learned from him and other artisans in the area – and the technical knowledge I acquired during my studies.
When and how did you actually start?: I decided to bring my cutting boards and serving platter ideas to fruition in 2015, when I opened my workshop, named Strașnic. I think that when you pour your soul into the making of a handmade object, both the creator and the customer feel the energy and the joy of the work process.
How would you define what you do?: I create products that belong in any home, made with top-notch materials, certified oak and natural oils and beeswax. I do everything related to the realization of these objects and I love that I can offer my customers a new and better way of preparing and serving culinary dishes.
How do you express tradition and innovation in your work?: I mostly make the cutting boards using the same techniques as traditional artisans did. I sand down each individual piece by hand to the desired shape (the objects I create have unique shapes); I add a natural wood treatment and ultra sanding. All the products I use, from the wood treatment to gift-wrapping, are toxic-free.

Constantin Toderău is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2008 and he started teaching in 2020